Imarti Devi: BJP accuses Kamal Nath of insulting Imarti Devi, goes to Election Commission | Bhopal News – Times of India

BHOPAL: Just about a fortnight ahead of bypolls, controversy erupted on Sunday over a speech made by former CM Kamal Nath at an election rally in Dabra seat of Gwalior.
BJP accused Nath of insulting minister Imarti Devi, a Jyotiraditya Scindia loyalist, and lodged a complaint with Election Commission for “making derogatory remarks against a Scheduled Caste candidate”.

BJP demands a ban on the Congress veteran’s campaigning during the bypolls. Congress defended Nath, pointing out that he hadn’t taken anyone’s name.
CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he will hold a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bhopal on Monday.
“Shame on Kamal Nath for doing such low-level politics. I am surprised that he was a chief minister. I am also a chief minister and a former CM, too, but I never insulted anybody. I do not know if he will repent but I will observe two-hour fast and silence on Monday under the Gandhi statue in Bhopal,” Chouhan said in Gwalior.
“The words used by Kamal Nath are not an insult to Imarti Devi alone, but to all the sisters and daughters of Madhya Pradesh,” Chouhan said, adding: “Kamal Nath has used such words for a daughter who served Congress party for years. Will the poor’s daughter be insulted? Is there no respect for sisters and daughters? Will their honour be crushed underfoot? The people of Madhya Pradesh will not tolerate this insult.”
The controversy is over a speech by Nath in Dabra during a rally for candidate Suresh Raje. A video doing the rounds shows him saying: “Our candidate is simple in nature. He is not like her… What is her name?” The crowd responds, “Imarti Devi.”
“Kya uska naam lun. You all should have warned me. What an item,” he is heard saying in the video.
BJP was swift to condemn Nath’s remarks. CM Chouhan demanded Nath should apologize to Imarti Devi.
“Imarti Devi is the name of the daughter of a poor farmer, one who started working as a public servant in the village and is now supporting nation-building. Congress called me ‘hungry-naked’, and using the word ‘item’ for a woman has again exposed your feudalist mentality,” tweeted Chouhan.
The CM pressed on with the attack: “A person who calls himself ‘Maryada Purushottam’ is using such indecent language. The country is worshiping women during Navratri. At this time your remark reflects your poor mentality. It is better that you take back your words and apologise to every daughter of the state, including Imarti Devi.”
BJP state president VD Sharma called Nath’s statement shameful.
“We are ashamed that a person who insults women was made chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Kamal Nath should apologise,” said Sharma.
A BJP delegation, led by state general secretary Bhagwandas Sabnani, said they will approach the National Women Commission and Nation Commission for Scheduled Castes to take action.
Congress defended Nath
“Kamal Nath ji did not refer to anybody’s name while using the word ‘item’ during his poll rally in Dabra. He didn’t name Imarti Devi in his speech, as claimed by BJP. It is BJP that is naming Imarti Devi in the matter. The party should desist from creating controversy during election,” said Congress state media coordinator Narendra Saluja.